Paul Scholes has admitted he would rather Manchester United go all out for Erling Haaland than Harry Kane this summer due to the ‘timing of his career’.
United will be in the hunt for a new striker this summer with Edinson Cavani looking likely to depart Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.
And two players who will be high on United’s wishlist include Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland and Tottenham talisman Kane – but both would prove rather expensive.
Striker Erling Haaland is the subject of intense interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs
Harry Kane’s future at Tottenham is also slightly uncertain as he goes on the hunt for silverware
And when asked on who he would opt for if he had the choice, United legend Scholes said the club should definitely go for Haaland because he has still to reach his peak years – despite likening Kane to former Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Speaking on Webby & O’Neill, Scholes argued: ‘I think the forwards they have are very good, but are any of them really a number nine, are they wide players? You just can’t make sense out of it, really.
‘When Cavani’s played, he’s looked alright, but he’s picked up a few injuries. He’s at that age, it was always going to happen, he was always going to be bit-part.
‘They need someone who is more permanent. I know Haaland is talked about a lot, he’s going to cost a lot of money. Harry Kane at Spurs, there’s rumours that he might want to leave there.
‘I think any one of them, you take any one of them, but I think if I had to choose, then Haaland would definitely be the one.
Paul Scholes believes United should definitely prioritise Haaland over Kane this summer
‘Purely for his age, his ability, the timing of his career, he’s played under Ole before. I think it would make sense for everyone to do it, but there’s going to be other clubs in for him, so it will be difficult.
‘I like Kane, I think he’s brilliant. When he first came onto the scene, I likened him to Ruud (van Nistelrooy), he’s a ruthless finisher, desperate to score goals. I just think at the stages of each one’s career, then you get more out of Haaland.’
Haaland has been widely tipped, alongside Kylian Mbappe, to dominate European football for years to come and take the mantle off LIonel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
And there is massive interest in Haaland already from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
And his agent Mino Raiola has started to drum up interest in the Norwegian sensation after flying to Barcelona and Madrid on Thursday, alongside Haaland’s father, for talks with Spain’s two biggest clubs over a possible summer transfer.
Scholes did admit he likened Kane to Ruud van Nistelrooy when he first burst onto the scene
It is also believed Raiola and his father, Alf-Inge, will fly to England on Friday to open talks with English giants Chelsea, both Manchester clubs and Liverpool as their whistle-stop negotiation tour continues.
Haaland has a release clause in his contract that does not kick in until next summer but his Dortmund performances have been so impressive that a number of Europe’s leading clubs are keen to do business now.
Dortmund have placed a £154million price tag on the 20-year-old, who only arrived from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020, but sporting director Michael Zorc insists they have reminded Raiola they do not wish to sell this summer.
Speaking to Sky Germany on Thursday, Zorc said: ‘I spoke to Raiola yesterday (Wednesday). We made our intention clear.
‘We plan for the long term with Erling. [Rumours] do not have to be dealt with at all.
‘I can see him with us for a long time.’
